LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 269, 13 November 1930, Page 19

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

ANOTHER FUSION.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUBS

" ELLERSLIE-OTAHUHU UNITED."

Another definite . indication of approval of the steps being taken to stabilise the senior reorganisation of League football in Auckland, was evinced last evening, when the delegates and members of the Ellerslie and Otahuhu clubs met the special committee at the League board room, and, within an hour, unanimously agreed to entire amalgamation, andj to include the Mangeje Club, under the style of "Ellerslie-Otahuhu United." This is the second of the three club combinations recommended by the special committee, and adopted by the Auckland Rugby League, the other amalgamation consummated being Richmond ■ and Kingsland Clubs. , In the absence of Mr. George Rhodes, chairman of the management committee, Mr. A. Ferguson presided, and briefly outlined, the main objects of the suggested change. He emphasised that the axrthoritied particularly desired to bring about the new scheme with the' complete co-operation .of all clubs, and without eliminating any team. Mr. Foster, Ellerslie, explained the attitude of that club, which, while prepared to give support, also had considered the possible difficulty of senior training in a scattered district. Mr. K. Lippiatt, Otahuhu, said that it was not considered that training considerations would present ,an obstacle, as Ellerslie and other clubs also had players who came from outside the district. Mr. E. Stallworthy pointed out that the three clubs, as matters stood at present, were now Eastern' Suburbs, though some suggestion in favour of southern suburbs had been made. The committee, however, had no objection to another name if the clubs could reach an agreement. Mr. Foster said Otahuhu had always been on the best of terms'Tvith. Ellerslie, and perhaps an immediate . conference would assist towards finality. When the members of the special committee returned to the room Mr. Lippiatt reported that the two clubs had decided to join up together under, the title Eastern Suburbs, and it was also -understood that the Mangere Club came within the terms of the fusion. Mr. F.oster seconded-the recommendation, and the proposal was heartily supported by the meeting. After assuring the cliibs that the special committee and . A.R.L. would probably accept the recommendation, the chairman thanked the officials and players for their loyal .spirit to the game, and predicted -that the amalgamated clubs would yield a senior and reserve team of great credit to the districts from which they would, be | drawn. : ■'•,••■ An agreement between the City and Newion clubs, at present defined as the Metropolitan Club, is required to compiete the Auckland League's- six-club plan for seniors and reserve seniors for next season.